Leading retail and leisure destination, Trafford Centre, has announced its flagship KENJI store is set to upsize, with a new-concept 5,500 sq ft store on Upper Regent Crescent, launching in March 2024.
Having originally opened at Trafford Centre in 2021, the lifestyle brand will expand with a new concept, at the largest scale the brand has ever delivered. KENJI infuses modern Asian culture with a British twist and is set to disrupt the traditional retail market with the curation of its new experiential store, which will focus on allowing customers to explore the narrative behind the products.
Inspired by the upcoming KENJILand game and app, the new store will invite customers to discover interactive moments and character-based installations on their journey throughout the space. Featuring a traditional Japanese torii gate at the entrance, touch-screen character selection screens, and exaggerated scale plushies and indoor trees throughout, visitors will enjoy an experience which emphasizes discovery, adventure and interaction.
Customers will experience the first KENJI store that will trade over two floors, one of which will be a mezzanine floor. Key installation moments will be distinguished by calculated pops of saturated colour, exaggerated scale, changes in floor finish and elements suspended from the ceiling, which will create clear and deliberate zones for customer engagement.
The new store will also champion Mancunian talent with the launch of their Makers Kiosks: areas which will spotlight local artists and provide them with an opportunity to sell their products.
The expansion of the KENJI store is indicative of the growth of the brand, as well as speaking to how the brand values its presence at a retail destination which is at the forefront of the retail industry.
Russell Loveland, managing director of UK asset management at Pradera Lateral, asset manager of Trafford Centre, says: “Kenji’s disruptive approach plays brilliantly into our philosophy of escaping the ordinary. With its exciting offering of East-Asian inspired homeware, kitchenware, stationery and fashion accessories, it is a unique store and has proven to be a big draw for our customers since its initial opening. With this new experiential store, the brand is once more pushing the boundaries and marking itself as a trailblazer in the industry. KENJI’s innovative approach aligns perfectly with Trafford Centre’s commitment to being at the forefront of the retail industry.”
Stacey Lynch, head of operations at KENJI, commented: “We are thrilled to be expanding our offering at the Trafford Centre and to provide customers with the new-look 5,500 sq ft store, featuring a multi-million-pound fit-out that exemplifies a significant investment in elevating the customer experience. The meticulously designed space not only redefines the brand but also invites visitors to immerse themselves in an unparalleled shopping journey, discovering the compelling stories behind the products.”
